Movies: The Purge (2013)

Director: James DeMonaco

Script Writer: James DeMonaco

Cast: Ethan Hawke, Lena Headey, Max Burkholder

Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Rate: 6 / 10

"A family is held hostage for harboring the target of a murderous syndicate during the Purge, a 12-hour period in which any and all crime is legalized."

A movie that was created by the producer of Paranormal Activity and Sinister. It promises to us viewers thru the success of those two movies and the fright that it gave to us, that we will also have a good time watching this movie, or in this case for us to be always holding unto our breaths and seats. The story introduces us to a new United States of America. It shows us the new and more improved country due to its low incidence of unemployment and crimes. All of this is due to one law that gives rise to the Purge. On this 12-hour period that is held once a year, it allows the citizens to vent out their stored emotions, such as anger and mania. The freedom to commit crimes, such as mugging, rape, and even murder. All of this can be done without any fear of being sanctioned afterwards. This concept is what makes this movie interesting. It shares the same vibe with the movies like Hunger Games and Battle Royal wherein violence is allowed due to a law. The difference among those movies and the Purge lies with the individual having the free will to commit murder without being told by the government to do so. This concept would instantly get the attention of viewers who liked the ideas brought upon by the Hunger Games and Battle Royal. This gives an even more frightening thought. Since, everyone is entitled to participate and not just a couple of individuals who are forced to do so in fear of their lives.

James DeMonaco (both the director and script writer of this movie) had pushed the concept that Battle Royal had. However, given this concept I find the movie disappointing on how the story went. The story in the movie revolved around a family who tries to live out the night of being purged despite of the defenses that they had in their home. I think it failed to give the psychological horror to its viewers, especially those who had watched too many horror and thriller movies. The psychological element could have even been pushed further. It might have given it to the film, if let's say the character centered on an individual rather than a family. Then, that individual could have been trapped somewhere outside his or her home which is fully secured. The story could be of that person's view and on what he or she does in order to survive the night while the streets are scattered with people who are either eager to join the purge or on being acted upon it. It could be a story of the extent that one would do in order to keep safe and still hold his or her principles in not turning into a participant of that yearly event.

In the case of the movie's cinematography, I would say it was nice. It had compensated for the story that I was expecting from this movie. The camera shots, angles and lightning, had proved to be successful in presenting to us the story which had also managed to give some surprising moments.

Overall, the movie was nice. However, I'd say this movie is one that you could simply just watch at home for free on your cable television networks. The cinematography was nice enough to compensate for the light story it had. A heavier story could have been much more successful if the director would continue to develop this movie into a psychological horror movie. Despite this, I think the unexpected twist that happens to one of the major characters which occurs near the end of the movie was a nice one. It's a deviant from the usual ending one would expect if the story revolved around a family. If you're looking for a simple scary story, this movie would be interesting for you, but if you're looking for some new stuffs with a great story, I would say this movie will just be one of those movies to watch if there's not a lot of choices out there.

"One night a year, all crime is legal."